Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus comprises a frame (1), a loading assembly (2) for variable adjustment of the rotation resistance about a shaft (3) associated with the assembly, and a gripping device (8) connected to the shaft. In the exercise apparatus according to the invention, the gripping device (8) is part of a series of such devices. Coupling means (9, 10) are arranged for quick-release coupling of the different gripping devices (8) to the shaft (3) in the loading assembly (2), which by frictional engagement generates the rotation resistances, which are independently adjustable in the two directions of rotation (6, 7) of the shaft (3).

We claim: 
     
       1. An exercising apparatus comprising: a frame;   a shaft mounted on the frame;   a gripping device which is grippable by a person who is exercising;   a quick-release coupling detachably connecting the gripping device to the shaft to facilitate replacement of the gripping device by another gripping device;   a first wheel which is rigidly connected to the shaft when said shaft is rotated in a first direction and is rotationally disengaged from the shaft when the shaft is rotated in a second direction which is opposite to said first direction;   a first friction element applying pressure against the periphery of the first wheel to provide frictional resistance to rotation of said first wheel, said first friction element being adjustable to vary the frictional resistance to rotation of the first wheel;   a second wheel which is rigidly connected to the shaft when said shaft is rotated in said second direction and is rotationally disengaged from the shaft when the shaft is rotated in said first direction;   a second friction element applying pressure against the periphery of the second wheel to provide frictional resistance to rotation of said second wheel, said second friction element being adjustable to vary the frictional resistance to rotation of the second wheel.   
     
     
       2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each friction element comprises at least one annular, open loop, whose gripping portion has an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the wheel, said loop being arranged around the periphery of the wheel, and the application of the loop against the wheel being adjustable with the aid of a clamping mechanism. 
     
     
       3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein the clamping mechanism is connected to projecting end portions: of the loop, said end portions being spaced apart and movable towards and away from each other by means of the clamping mechanism, so as to adjust the grip of the loop around the wheel.